lcd - Linux Mint 16 Laptop Brightness Issues

07
2014-07
  • Xilas

    Linux Mint 16 Petra 32bit(Xfce) - Sony Viao (Laptop) Model: VGNFS980

    I have no 'function key' functionality to control brightness...

    When I first booted the live version, the brightness was OK. Upon finishing the actual installation, the screen was dim. No proprietary Drivers are Found in 'driver manager'. Also, I've tried the Grub edits from several tutorials, with no luck.

    Please Advise!

    • Answers
  • edvinas.me

    Try adjusting brightness manually:

    echo 100 > /sys/class/backlight/acpi_video0/brightness
echo 80 > /sys/class/backlight/acpi_video0/brightness
echo 60 > /sys/class/backlight/acpi_video0/brightness

    If that helps, then you can add one of the lines to /etc/rc.local before exit 0 line so it persists upon reboot.


    • Related Question

    lcd - Optimal brightness for laptop screen while on AC power
  • Mehper C. Palavuzlar

    Does using the laptop screen at the maximum brightness level while on AC power have any disadvantages? May it decrease the lifespan of LCD screen, or convey more heat and cause more heating of laptop and battery?

    What should be the optimal brightness level while on AC power?


    • Related Answers
  • Mike DeSimone

    There will be some heating of the battery as it discharges, but not that much compared to the heat from powering the rest of the laptop. The only time I've really seen a big problem from LCD backlight heating is with displays over 24"; my 30" screen consumes 50 W at minimum brightness and 135 W at maximum brightness, and the top can get quite hot. I usually run it at 25% brightness.

    The optimum brightness level is "bright enough you can see the display clearly," which is entirely subjective. If you have the brightness on any LCD turned up too high (much higher than the brightness of other things in the room), though, you can give yourself eyestrain after a while as your eye's iris keeps adjusting itself between bright screen and dim room.

  • Hugh Allen

    You don't need to worry about heating the main body of the laptop while the lid is open, and when it is closed the screen shuts off.

    Maximum brightness will decrease the lifespan of the backlight though.